Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Alternative Healing: Plant Medicine and Surf Therapy
• The Challenge of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
• Building a Holistic, Purpose-Driven Business
• Conclusion
• Listen to the Full Episode
• Catch Up on the Last Episode

Introduction

In this episode of the Stay Classy Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Ryan, owner of Windansea Coffee and a Navy veteran. Jordan shares how he found healing in plant medicine and surf therapy, how he helps veterans transition into civilian life, and how he's built a business rooted in wellness and purpose. Let’s dive into these insights and explore how they can benefit your own journey.

Alternative Healing: Plant Medicine and Surf Therapy

Jordan opens up about how traditional Western medicine wasn’t cutting it for him after his military injury. He explored plant medicine and surf therapy as alternatives to heavy prescriptions. These approaches offered a way to manage symptoms sustainably without relying on pharmaceuticals that come with side effects.

Jordan points out that his journey toward alternative medicine began when he realized Western treatments were about managing symptoms, not truly healing. For him, integrating plant medicine, like functional mushrooms, helped him reduce stress and manage his body’s inflammation, allowing his body to heal more naturally. Surf therapy, on the other hand, helped him connect with nature and be present—two things that made a world of difference in his mental health and physical recovery.

For anyone dealing with the wear and tear of modern life, incorporating alternative therapies like these could be the key to long-term wellness.

The Challenge of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

Transitioning from the military to civilian life is one of the toughest challenges veterans face. The structure, hierarchy, and clear sense of identity that come with military service vanish once you're out. Jordan discusses how, for many veterans, including himself, that transition can feel like losing a part of yourself.

As Jordan points out, the military provides an identity and a sense of belonging that can be hard to replicate in civilian life. You know your rank, your mission, and what’s expected of you. In the civilian world, suddenly you’re just another person. He emphasizes that surf therapy helped him regain a sense of purpose and camaraderie that he missed after leaving the Navy. The therapy not only healed his mind but allowed him to connect with a new community.

For veterans reading this, Jordan’s experience offers a powerful reminder that finding new tribes and therapeutic outlets can help ease the difficult transition to civilian life.

Building a Holistic, Purpose-Driven Business

Jordan’s entrepreneurial journey with Windansea Coffee is deeply rooted in his belief in holistic health. After discovering the power of adaptogenic mushrooms, he integrated them into his coffee line, making it easier for people to access the health benefits of these natural substances.

Jordan notes that coffee was an easy choice because it’s already a daily habit for most people. By adding ingredients like reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps, his coffee not only provides a caffeine boost but also supports brain health, stress management, and immune function. For Jordan, building a business wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about creating something that aligns with his values and serves the community.

For those interested in business, his story shows that when you infuse purpose into your brand, not only are you creating a unique product, but you’re also setting the stage for long-term impact.

Conclusion

In this episode, Jordan Ryan dives deep into three critical areas: the power of alternative healing through plant medicine and surf therapy, the challenge of transitioning from military life, and building a purpose-driven business. His insights remind us that health and business can be part of a larger holistic journey.

If you’re a veteran seeking new approaches to wellness, or someone building a business rooted in purpose, Jordan’s story is full of actionable lessons. Take what resonates with you, whether it's trying alternative therapies, building community, or creating a business that reflects your personal values.

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear more of Jordan’s story and dive deeper into these conversations? Listen to the full podcast episode here.

Catch Up on the Last Episode

Missed the last episode? You can listen to it here.